UN urges preservation of wild animals and plants on World Wildlife Day

March 05,2014: Senior United Nations officials are sounding the alarm that nature is under threat, marking the first ever World Wildlife Day on Monday with calls to protect biological diversity and halt environmental crimes.
“Wildlife remains integral to our future through its essential role in science, technology and recreation, as well as its place in our continued heritage,” UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said, adding that some of the world’s most charismatic animals are in immediate danger of extinction as a result of habitat loss and illicit trafficking. In his message for the Day,Ban urged all sectors of society to end illegal wildlife trafficking and commit to trading and using wild plants and animals sustainably and equitably. Speaking at the opening day in Geneva of the “Wild and Precious” exhibition, which includes photographs of magnificent elephants, iconic apes and majestic trees, Ban noted that many of the world’s most charismatic species, as well as lesser known but ecologically important plants and animals, are in immediate danger of extinction. “Wildlife is part of our shared heritage. We need it for our shared future,” he stressed.
The UN General Assembly designated 3 March for the World Day to coincide with the adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), an international agreement between Governments of 176 Member States. Administered by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) in Geneva, its aim is to ensure that global trade in close to 35,000 species of plants and animals does not threaten their survival. The CITES Secretariat, in collaboration with UN agencies, implements the aims of the World Day.